Written in the vein of The Winner Takes it All, it’s a typically Abba-esque ballad about a woman whose life is turned upside down when she sees an old lover’s face in a crowd.

“The song’s got a good story,” Steps’ singer Lisa Scott-Lee told Popjustice. “We felt it was a good nod to where we’ve been musically as a band, but I related to the words while I was recording it.”

Image copyrightAP

Image caption
The band even taught Prince Charles the dance routine to Tragedy at the Prince’s Trust Concert in 1999

It’s certainly a cunning choice – acknowledging the band’s debt to Abba, without desecrating one of their classics.

According to singer Claire Richards, it has even had the seal of approval from Abba themselves.

“Benny really liked our take on it,” she told The Sun. “He said it’s almost as good as his version!”

Story of a Heart will feature on Tears on the Dancefloor, Steps’ first album of new songs since Buzz, released 17 years ago.

It will be preceded by a single, Scared of the Dark, which is out this Friday; and the band will embark on a 15-date tour this November.

Scott-Lee said the world was ready for another dose of Steps’ bright-eyed chart pop.

“What we can offer is escapism and a bit of positivity in people’s lives,” she said. “Everyone’s dealing with lots of different things but music’s universal, and it takes you to another place and time, and this album – I feel – is where Steps should be 20 years on.”

Image copyrightPA

Image caption
The band were known for their sunny demeanour and easily-replicable dance routines

Potted history of Steps

The band were formed in 1997, after an advert appeared in The Stage announcing open auditions for a five-piece line-dancing pop group.